But in Hudson, for example, wages still lag behind the state's average by almost 14 percent.

But during the current recovery, wages have lagged inflation by 0.3 percent for 80 percent of the work force, generally defined as nonmanagers.

"But the fact remains that since the latest economic expansion began in late 1982, wages have consistently lagged behind the rise in the cost of living."

But others disagree, arguing that wages over the last five years have lagged behind increases in productivity and have barely kept up with inflation.

Even with this booming economy, workers' wages are still lagging.

Nationally, women's wages still lag behind men.

Because employers don't have to raise wages to get workers, wages are lagging behind the cost of living.

Economists believe wages will still lag behind price increases, but they fear that a push for higher pay could aggravate inflation.

And even though wages have been lagging behind prices, total labor costs are rising, in large part because of higher health care costs.

Where they do manage to obtain employment, their wages lag considerably behind those of their urban counterparts.